Puzzle



(No Model.)

J. M. WHEELER.

PUZZLE.

No. 450,653. Patented Apr. 21, 1891.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN M. IVHEELERJOF TOLEDO, OHIO.

PUZZLE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 450,653, dated April 21, 1891. Application filed April 8, 1890. Serial No. 347,119- (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that 1, JOHN M. WHEELER, a citizen of the United States, residing at T0- ledo, Lucas county, Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Toy Puzzles, of which the following is a specification.

My invention consists of a base provided with a truncated cone or pyramid having an axial bore, this frustum being canopied with wire cloth or gauze or other transparent material. In the interior of this transparent hood is a ball of less diameter than the bore of the cone or pyramid. The object of the game is to roll the ball upon the cone or pyramid into the mouth of the bore, and thus extricate the ball from the interior ot the device.

In the accompanying drawings, made part hereof, Figure 1 is an elevation of my device; Fig. 2, a plan view of the same; Fig. 3, the same with the wire hood removed, and Fig. 4 a central vertical section of my device.

Like letters of reference indicate like parts throughout the several views.

A is the base of frustum B, wliichI prefer to turn from a single block of wood, though the base and frustum may be formed separately and of any suitable material. Frustum B is provided with aseries of radial channels 0, leading from channel or groove 0 at the foot of the slope to the upper opening of axial opening D, which may, as desired, be either open or closed at its lower end.

E is a ball of slightly smaller diameter than bore D. The frustum, channel 0, and ball E are covered and inclosed by hood F, attached to base A. The hood may be of any transparent material, though I prefer wire-gauze.

The operation is obvious. The ball E is caused to roll to the foot of one of the radial channels 0. The trap is now tilted gradually, so that the said channel shall lie in a horizontal plane. Now, by slowly tilting the trap theball may be caused to roll into the mouth of bore D, and thence out of the trap.

The operation requires considerable skill and patience, as the slightest impetus to the ball will cause it to roll over the mouth ofthe bore without falling into it.

Having fully described my invention, its construction and operation,ivhatl claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

In a toy puzzle, base A, having frustum B, grooves C c, bore D, and hood F, in combination with ball E, substantially as shown and described, for the purpose specified.

JOHN M. WHEELER.

\Vitnesses:

AUGUST W. MAoHEN, A. R. HOLMES. 

